So, this weekend Geoff Moore of famous 80's and 90's 'christian' rock fame was a special guest to our community. He was there on behalf of Compassion International. "Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults." What I didn't know was that it was founded by the Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952, as they began providing Korean War orphans with food, shelter, education and health care, as well as Christian training. Today, Compassion helps more than 1 million children in 24 countries. We have been sponsoring a child for quite some time from Uganda.
But I would like to talk about something else...adoption. What are your feelings out there on adoption? Should Christians be more open to adopting children from other countries?
Thoughts?
6 comments:
Wow... ive been sitting here for 20 minutes trying to figure out how to answer the question. While Im tempted to be quick and say that Christians as a whole should be more open to the idea of adoption period I find that when I try to apply the question to my own life Im hesitant. I'll admit that I'm more comfortable with the idea of conceiving my own offspring rather than trying to take in a child from a different family and culture and integrate it into my own. But what happens should my wife and I be unable to conceive? Would I be more comfortable then? Then comes the question of how to decide. Theres no shortage of orphans around Winnipeg, let alone in the world at large. In the end I think all Christians should prayerfully consider it and do as they feel led by God to do.
As someone in the midst of adopting a child from Ethiopia, I would have to say yes. However, not without some serious qualifying points. If Christians are going to adopt from abroad, they must be aware of the historical and cultural dynamics of the child's country and their relationship/experience with Christianity. Colonialism can be unintentionally reinforced through adoption, so it requires a life long commitment to understanding. There are other points, but I'll leave it there. Thanks for raising the topic!
yes, yes, yes...without hesitation. Adoption, is the very heart of God. He adopted us...without hesitation, even in the midst of our crap.
I agree with jamie, that if this is something someone is going to do, then educate yourself. Yet, having worked with children for nearly 20 years, and working with children from other countries, they are resilient, more than we as adults who have grown up in the west can fully understand.
I take a global body of Christ view, and that we have a responsibility as the global body of Christ, to take care of widows, orphans...etc etc. What I find is that we aren't doing enough? We could do so much more. I heard the same message by Geoff Moore, and was challenged again...to do more, even if it means sacrifice and I and my family have to do without. I think of the movie Shindler's list and think of the end of the movie when he says...I could have done more. If I could, my house would be full of children!
Thanks for this post...and yes, I believe strongly that Christians should be more open to adopt from other countries...
Now a question I could pose is what about children in our own country? How are we looking after those who are in need here...what about adopting whole families that need support?
Here is a terrific video on adoption and church involvement that may be of broad interest:
http://www.godtube.com/familylifehfo
Adoption is cool...
Isn't that what God did for us? He has picked us out of the crap and called us his own - heirs of God.
People who adopt must have big hearts. It is an unselfish act and compassionate.
I think I've typed and retyped my response 10 times already! It's a tough one to respond to.
Yes, as Christians we should be more willing to open our lives, homes and resources to those in need. In my opinion this would of course include children in need of foster care and adoption in Canada and abroad.
For weeks God has been impressing on my heart how His heart is grieved over the lack of care for children in need. What Geoff said squeezed my already mushed up heart and served as one of many confirmations. What is that going to look like for our family? Well I'm just not sure yet.
I loved what Geoff said about his fears. He had to remember that God had his back and would be watching out for him. I think sometimes my fears get in the way of doing what God desires. I pray God gives us the wisdom and strength to do what He has called us all to.
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